American Diabetes Association to raise awareness during upcoming ID Day

Chicago Diabetes EXPO: April 13 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Contact Jackie Ross at jross@diabetes.org.

Bike the Drive: May 26 in Chicago. Contact Lisa Adams at lmarieadams@diabetes.org.

Tour de Cure: June 9 at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora. Contact Lisa Adams at lmarieadams@diabetes.org.

Father of the Year Awards: June 13 at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago. Contact Ashley Oakes at aoakes@diabetes.org.

Team Diabetes: In October at the Chicago Marathon.

To mark National Diabetes Awareness Month, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) will reach more than 40,000 Chicago-area church congregants through its I Decide (ID) to Stop Diabetes Day on Sunday, Nov. 11.

Nearly 26 million Americans are living with diabetes; yet one-third do not know they have the condition. During ID Day — a nationwide campaign of the ADA — church leadership will devote time to talk to members about the seriousness of diabetes, the risk factors for the disease, and what one should do to reduce their risk.

Across the country, more than 2,000 churches of various denominations will participate in ID Day. Locally, this free event provides diabetes information to congregants at more than 40 churches across Chicago, reaching more than 40,000 people each year.

No church is too large or too small to join in, and the American Diabetes Association can provide how-to guides for hosting awareness programs, as well as free educational resources for participating churches. All places of worship are encouraged to participate in ID Day and to tailor the activities to meet the needs of their congregation.

In addition to ID Day activities, the American Diabetes Association will provide free diabetes information and education at the New Futuro, Latino fest from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at Navy Pier in Chicago.